The Biden administration announced a new rule on Thursday to expedite the asylum process at the southern border for a specific group of individuals believed to have committed serious crimes or have ties to terrorism. The goal is to quickly remove them from the country.
This change comes as the administration faces pressure to address immigration issues, a key concern for voters in upcoming elections. Republicans have criticized Biden’s policies, claiming they have worsened problems at the southern border.
According to the Department of Homeland Security, migrants considered a public threat are detained, but their asylum eligibility is determined later in the process.
Migrant adjusts his headgear (Phil Butler/Shutterstock)
Under the new rule, asylum officers conducting initial credible fear screenings shortly after arrival can now factor in criminal history or terrorist ties to decide if someone should be removed sooner.
“This allows DHS to promptly remove individuals posing a threat to the United States, enhancing border security,” the department stated.
Currently, certain legal bars prevent people from qualifying for asylum, such as convictions for serious crimes. However, these factors typically affect final asylum decisions made by immigration judges, a process that can span years with migrants often held in detention.
Under the new rule, asylum officers can use evidence of terrorism involvement, for instance, to deny asylum claims during initial screenings.
